It was with great anticipation that the members of the Jamaican Chapter of the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs awaited their invitations to the 30th Anniversary Induction Ceremony and Dinner held Saturday, December 5 at the Couples Sans Souci Resort. Sessions held at the Couples Sans Souci are always well-attended and this year, with only 56 spaces available, the event was over- subscribed within a few days of the invitation being sent out.

INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBERS

At the ceremony that preceded dinner, nine new members were inducted into the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs with seven opting to join the Chaîne’s wine arm, the Société Mondiale du Vin. A number of members were elevated as a result of tenure in the organisation. They include Sharon Lake & Virginia O’Neil, who were both elevated to the rank of Officier. Also, chefs Colin Hylton, Mike Dannecker & Giorgio Rusconi were all elevated to Officier Maître Rôtisseurs; Eva Myers to Officier Maître Restaurateur; and Antoinette Chen elevated to Maître Hôtelier. In the Chaîne, a member who has achieved 30 years of membership in good standing, either continuous or in total, is given the title Officier Commandeur. This prestigious title was conferred on members Kermit Tucker & Beverley Levy. A Bronze Medal of Excellence was also presented to member Robert Hoehener for his service to the organisation.

11 DELIGHTFUL DISHES

Our hosts for the night, Vice Conseillier Culinaire Pierre Battaglia, general manager, Couples Sans Souci, ably assisted by F&B manager Rajiv Bhatnagar, head chef Morice Lewis, regional pastry chef Linval Green and maître d’hôtel Hugh McCoy put on an excellent event with an exceptional 11-course menu.

LE DEGUSTATION

The theme for the evening was “Le Menu Degustation de Cuisine Contemporaire Gastronomique en Jamaïque 1985-2015”. Pierre Battaglia explained that the dishes that made up the 11 courses were selected from some of the best dinners over the past 30 years, and even paid homage to two great chefs who have passed on. It was a 100% European wine selection with wines from France, Italy and Switzerland enjoyed by all.

With such a significant milestone as 30 years, the local chapter was delighted to host regional and international Chaîne des Rôtisseurs executives, including Heinz Hofmann, Chancelier des à tats-Unis; Ronald Overend, Bailli Provincial for the Caribbean/Atlantic Islands Region, and his wife Isabella Overend, Nassau Bailli and Chargée de Presse Provincial for the Caribbean/Atlantic Islands Region.

Christopher Reckord – Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Instagram: @chrisreckord Twitter: @Reckord